REAL OR NO DEAL

Emery believes Arsenal’s trip to Old Trafford will prove whether they really are back as a Premier League force

UNAI EMERY reckons Arsenal’s clash at Manchester United will either underline how good they are – or prove a humbling reality check.

The Gunners head to Old Trafford tomorrow night on a high after a thrilling north London derby win against Tottenham. But Emery is wary of being brought crashing back down to earth.

Arsenal stormed back from 2-1 down at half-time to beat their arch-enemies 4-2 in a memorable, heated Emirates clash (Lucas Torreira celebrates netting the final goal, above). Victory extended their impressive unbeaten run this season to 19 games.

But their next stop is a ground where they haven’t won in the league since 2006.

However, Arsenal go there at a good time, with Jose Mourinho’s men struggling in seventh place, having won just four out of 10 matches on their own turf.

Arsenal boss Emery said: “Each match is a big opportunity for us against every team. It’s been very difficult to win there in the past and will be in the future because they are a very big team with big players, and they have a very big atmosphere pushing them.

“It’s a big challenge for us. We can confirm our good moment, or our reality moment – that we need more.

“For me also, it’s an exciting match, my motivation is very big and I’m looking forward to playing there.

“It’s not normal where they are in the table. They have a lot of potential and experience with the coach, who has big experience in the Premier League, in Europe, in world football. We respect them a lot individually and collectively, and we know it’s a very difficult match away.

“We know we need to change to get more competitive away. I think the team is doing that, but it’s a new challenge because we’re going to play against Manchester United away, and the challenge is bigger than other matches.

“If we are stronger now, we need to show that on Wednesday.”

Emery was not getting caught up in the euphoria of beating Spurs and said: “I can feel proud but, above all, I think we need not to stop.

“We need to improve things, because it’s very demanding in the Premier League, with big players, with big teams.

“I’m proud but want to continue with humility on our way.”

Arsenal are likely to be without Mesut Ozil again.

He hasn’t featured in their last three games and Emery added: “At the moment, I don’t know if he can play in Manchester. Today, he was working alone, I don’t know if he’s OK for Wednesday.”